A Cape Town computer teacher’s rumblings

While reading Ewan MacIntosh’s excellent blog this morning I was temped to flesh out how often I am able to say no in the computer lab to the many requests bombarded at me – especially during this busy assessment/report writing end-of-term crunch time in Cape Town.

Colleagues want me to fit in extra lessons so they can work on their report writing programme.  It is difficult to explain that I have reports to co-ordinate as well: 168 individual reports for 6 grade 1 – 3 classes and co-ordination of a number of assessed projects for final “tick boxes for the senior primary group.  I have teaching and invigilating duties as well of course.

How do you say “No” graciously?  I’d love to know!  Visit my questionnaire. Some staff visit me personally and I’m able to explain how I also need quiet creative time, even though I’m sitting in the lab where the girls love to be at this time of the term.  Some staff send polite girls with sweet cajoling ways.   Some staff send a note: “Just sending a few girls to complete their project on…….just send them back if inconvenient.”   Most of my staff are extremely thoughtful but it’s still difficult to say “No” to their urgent requests!

Some staff ask if they can work with me in the lab.  I know which ones are going to be needy and which ones will work quietly without interrupting my train of thought.  However, if I give them hands-on time, they will feel empowered and become less needy next time round.

Of course this means that those “free” periods are now gone.  That was when I planned to complete certain scheduled deadlines.   More to do at home again!

I’d love to know whether my PLN have similar problems!  Please complete this questionnaire (link below) and I will blog the results in a short while!

Questionnaire on how to say “No” in the lab!   Please complete!

Acknowledgements to Aswin’s “Thoughts Unlimited” blog for assistance with google docs questionaire!

Image acknowledgements:stock.xchng. – royalty free stock photography.